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The Heart Center of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg  has become the first in the world to use a new angiography system with integrated artificial intelligence in routine clinical practice. This technology provides highly precise 2D and 3D imaging, supports more accurate treatment planning, and reduces radiation exposure for patients.

Patients with severe diseases of the coronary arteries and heart valves can now benefit from treatment using the Artis Icono.vision system by Siemens Healthineers, which was introduced into clinical use in March 2026.

During interventions, the system enables real-time 2D and 3D visualization of the heart and blood vessels, improving the precision and safety of procedures. CT data can also be integrated into procedural planning.

In addition, physicians can assess vascular conditions more accurately and monitor heart function using ultrasound during interventions.

“By combining different imaging modalities directly during the procedure, we obtain essential information exactly when it is needed for clinical decision-making,” says Prof. Dr. Dirk Westermann, Medical Director of the Department of Cardiology and Angiology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

The system also enables CT-assisted stent implantation, meaning that previously acquired coronary CT scans are directly incorporated into procedural planning. “This allows us to determine even more precisely where a stent is needed and how to best prepare each individual procedure,” Westermann explains.

“The fact that this technology is being used for the first time worldwide at the Freiburg Heart Center underlines the high level of expertise at our institution and highlights the importance of close collaboration with Siemens Healthineers within the ‘Industry-on-Campus’ concept,” says Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Director of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. Since 2022, the Freiburg Heart Center has served as a global reference center for Siemens Healthineers in cardiology.

In addition to clinical use, the system is also being applied in research to develop new diagnostic methods and improve interventional treatments.